IL HB1872

Youth in care of the Department of Children and Family Services must receive a mental health and wellness screening within 45 days of removal from their home and annually thereafter

Screenings are exempt for children under 6 months old, youth 12 and older who do not consent, or those already receiving mental health treatment

If screening recommends mental health care, the youth's caseworker must coordinate delivery of services; youth 12 and older may decline services

Medicaid managed care plans must ensure youth have access to a mental health provider within 30 days of referral, located within 30 miles/30 minutes (or 60 miles/60 minutes in rural areas) of the youth's residence

If no in-network provider meets time and distance requirements, managed care plans must cover out-of-network providers; requirements apply to managed care plans effective, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026